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Flashing checkerboard pattern

For the last couple of months, I have noticed that my Macbook Pro will occasionally flash a quick checkerboard pattern, for just a fraction of a second. It is usually some garish colour scheme. I'm not able to reliably reproduce the image, but it pops up a few times a week. I mostly notice it when using a web browser (not just Safari but also in Chrome), where it will pop up in a small section of the screen, usually coinciding with some video or image on a web page. Is this an issue I should worry about? Or normal behaviour? (One thought I had was that it is related to an invisible overlay on a web page or something like that.)

My major worry is that there's something wrong with the graphics output in my MBP. It is still under AppleCare, but it is such a hassle to get the work done (I don't live near an Apple Store) and my work depends on my computer. Plus, it's been in for Apple Care repairs a couple of times already.

This is a mid-2010, 13" Macbook Pro. I run Lion (10.7.2).

Thanks.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Jan 5, 2012 8:33 AM

35 replies

Jul 18, 2012 6:44 PM in response to David Drysdale

I have a 2010 15" MBP and they have replaced the logic board twice in the last week. Yet again, the logic board or something is wrong. Just got it back today, and the checkerboard pattern occured then the computer shut down immediately. I'm so frustrated, I cannot call support tonight. But they better figure out what the deal is, because my Apple Care will run out before they fix this thing.

Jul 18, 2012 6:56 PM in response to LizElwell

Give Apple a call directly—there is a number futher upthread somewhere. Tell them that you no longer have confidence in the product and that you would like to discuss further options, including getting a replacement unit.

Jul 18, 2012 7:20 PM in response to David Drysdale

David, thanks, I found it...Customer Relations - 1800-767-2775 I will call them tomorrow because this is so frustrating.

super_yo

Level 1

5 points

Sep 29, 2012 10:36 PM in response to David Drysdale

The problem is still present with the 10.7.5 combo Update ...
Have you heard?

thx

Oct 15, 2012 3:43 PM in response to David Drysdale

I am having the same problem with MBP, my warranty has run out. Is this something Apple is owning up to? In the past Apple has replaced parts of my other machines at no cost even out of warranty when it was a known issue. Something like an informal recall.... Does any one know?

Flashing checkerboard pattern